Create Music Group (CMG), the world’s leading platform for iconic music, has acquired the catalogs of deadmau5 and his celebrated record label mau5trap in a landmark deal valued at over $55 million. This acquisition includes the sound recordings and copyrights of more than 4,000 songs and establishes a joint venture to release future music from both deadmau5 and mau5trap.
With a career spanning over two and a half decades, deadmau5 has become one of electronic music’s most influential figures, captivating millions of fans through his groundbreaking productions and live performances. Beyond his success as an artist, Joel Zimmerman, known as deadmau5, has been a vocal advocate for artist rights and ownership, founding mau5trap in 2007. The label has served as a launchpad for some of dance music’s most influential artists, including Skrillex, REZZ, Noisia, Feed Me, and i_o, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in the electronic music industry.
Zimmerman has consistently pushed creative and business boundaries, embracing streaming, social media, and gaming technologies early on. His forward-thinking approach has shaped mau5trap into more than just a record label—it has become an artistic movement. With its distinct brand identity, innovative production, and commitment to nurturing new electronic music talent, mau5trap has remained a pivotal force in the industry.
Jonathan Strauss, co-founder and CEO of Create Music Group, emphasized the impact of deadmau5’s vision, stating:
“When deadmau5 put on that helmet, he didn’t just create a brand—he sparked a movement. His vision redefined electronic music, pushing boundaries and reshaping the industry. From the earliest days of Create Music Group, [co-founder and COO] Alexandre Williams and I had the privilege of working alongside Joel and his business partner Dean Wilson, witnessing firsthand the evolution of an icon. Now, as the stewards of deadmau5 and mau5trap’s legendary catalog, we inherit a legacy that changed music forever. Joel’s influence extends beyond sound—his mastery bridges music, gaming, and technology, inspiring a new generation to think bigger. This is more than an acquisition; it’s a responsibility.”
Joel Zimmerman (deadmau5), founder of mau5trap, shared his confidence in CMG, stating:
“I have worked closely with Jonathan, Alex, and Create for nearly two decades now, building my own career as well as the artists on mau5trap. We didn’t need to look far when we were considering a partner to help take everything to the next level. With Create, I feel the music is going to reach more people than ever before.”
Dean Wilson, deadmau5’s longtime manager and business partner, echoed this sentiment:
“Over the last 20 years, fueled by Joel’s creative and entrepreneurial ambitions, we have built one of the strongest brand names in electronic music. To have partnered with Create, who have worked so closely with us over the years, ensures that the next two decades will be every bit as exciting for Joel and the entire mau5trap team as we continue to expand our legacy.”
As part of this strategic partnership, CMG will implement a comprehensive multi-platform strategy, including remastering and re-releasing key catalog pieces, launching exclusive content, and employing innovative marketing tactics to introduce the mau5trap legacy to new generations of fans. The collaboration will also focus on licensing opportunities, brand partnerships, and emerging media such as gaming, VR, and live streaming, driving additional revenue streams for the catalog.
Eric Nguyen, Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Development and M&A at CMG, played a key role in securing the deal. Legal advisors included Paul Hastings LLP (Sid Fohrman and Hayley Silvertown) for Create Music Group and LaPolt Law P.C. (Dina LaPolt and Lindsay Arrington) for deadmau5 and mau5trap.
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